Here is some information about the kits Rotarians can help put together. Reach out to Mitch for There have been a number of teen suicides over the years, and several GBN students recently. This organization hopes to be a resource for parents and teens.
Mental Health Coping Kit
When Glenbrook North High School Seniors picked up their caps and gowns for 2021 graduation, they also received a Mental Health Coping Kit as a graduation gift. CATCH created the Coping Kits to let the graduates know “we see you and we care about you.” The kits are designed to provide comfort and help graduates navigate the challenges that life inevitably brings.
In a note to recipients, CATCH wrote, “While we don’t expect these items to fix things, we hope that something will resonate with you and become a useful tool as you write the next chapter in your story.”
In a note to recipients, CATCH wrote, “While we don’t expect these items to fix things, we hope that something will resonate with you and become a useful tool as you write the next chapter in your story.”
What's in each coping kit?
Mental Health Decal Stickers: The stickers are made of a vinyl, waterproof material, and are meant for display to prompt conversations about mental health, help end the stigma of mental illness, and remind everyone “it’s ok to not be ok.” Mental Health Matters: Tips for Teens Poster: This small poster easily hangs on a closet door, bulletin board, or refrigerator or stays tucked in a school folder so that someone can access it at a moment’s notice. It includes strategies for what to do when feeling stressed or panicked as well as mantras and grounding techniques to help someone refocus and reframe their thoughts. Sensory Putty: Putty works as a stress reliever. As you knead and manipulate the putty, it can help you re- focus, re-balance, and restore calm. Acupressure Ring: The rings provide relief by applying pressure and releasing tension. They are best used when you are feeling tired, your mind is distracted, or you need to improve your concentration. They can also help ground your thoughts and bring you back from panic or worry to focus on the here and now. Roll-on Essential Oil: This roll-on provides aromatherapy by stimulating the smell receptors in your nose and sending messages to your nervous system to relieve anxiety and stress. CATCH Wallet Card: This business-sized card includes numbers for several hotlines that offer immediate support in a moment of crisis. It’s important to know that there is always someone willing to help. They are just a phone call or text away. Research & Development: A team of CATCH volunteers developed the kit by researching items to include and assembling a sample for teens and school staff to evaluate and provide feedback. Thanks to their input, CATCH finalized the kit which went out to more than 500 GBN students.
Community Funded: The CATCH Coping Kits were funded by families in the community who recognized the extreme challenge students faced this year as they dealt with profound losses in the midst of a pandemic.
Northbrook Rotarians are invited to volunteer some of your time to support Mental Health for the students at Glenbrook North High School.
CATCH (Community Action Together For Children’s Health) on SEPT.12th 1:00-4:00P.M. will be assembling 2100 Coping Kits for our GBN students, outside, in a volunteers backyard to be determined. CATCH is an organization that empowers families to foster resilience and prioritize mental health and emotional wellness in their children thru educational programing, peer support and access to resources regarding mental health.
